Uterine Cancer

Uterine (endometrial) cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. It tends to develop after menopause, when a woman is between the ages of 50 and 60.

The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis in which a fetus grows after conception. Most cancers begin in the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium. Rarer forms develop within the actual muscle of the uterine wall; this is called uterine sarcoma and is managed differently.

Types of Uterine Cancer
There are many different types of uterine cancer. 

• Endometrioid adenocarcinoma: This type of uterine cancer forms in the glandular cells of the uterine lining. It accounts for as much as 75 percent of all uterine cancers. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma is commonly detected early and has a high cure rate.
• Serous adenocarcinoma: These tumors are more likely to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. About 10 percent of uterine cancers diagnosed are of this type.
• Adenosquamous carcinoma: This rare form of uterine cancer has elements of both adenocarcinoma and carcinoma of the squamous cells that line the outer surface of the uterus.
• Carcinomasarcoma: This rare form of uterine cancer was previously thought to be a type of uterine sarcoma. However, it is now felt to be a uterine (endometrial) cancer. It has elements of both adenocarcinoma and sarcoma. These tumors have a high risk of spreading to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.